RED CROSS SOCIETY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 56, 22 May 1942, Page 5

RED CROSS SOCIETY

4> WHAKATANE SUB-CENTRE PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL' REPORT In her annual review of the activities of the Whakatane SubCentre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society, the president, Mrs E. C, Sullivan, stated as follows: 1 have much pleasure in presenting the third annual report. The year has heen a very active one for each and all of us, but we recognise the need for our Society is greater than ever before, and we must increase the scope of our work. Our membership now stands at 203, an increase of 57 over last year. Receipts for the year totalled £800 Us (id, the main eiTorti for the year being the 'Mothers Campaign' run in conjunction with other SubCentres in the district. Our effort realised £621 18s sd. Of this sum £320 was forwarded to the British Red Cross, the balance being placed on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand. Thus £420 was forwarded to the British Red Cross during the year. Our main donations were for £30 for medical dressings for the Emergency Precautions Scheme, Plunket boxes also for the same Emergency Stations £10, and the supply, of complete layettes for the same. Work undertaken for the Joint Council of N.Z. Red Cross and St. John's. We have despatched the following articles, knitted by ladies under the convenor, Mrs C. A. Timbs: 18. pairs of socks; 1 pair mittens; 29 scarves; 2 pairs knee caps; 24 pairs bed socks; 2 long sleeved pullovers; 2 short sleeved pullovers; 7 balaclavas. We are asked to knit this year 1728 skeins of blue wool into socks, bed socks, waistcoats, pullovers (long and short sleeves) and. cardigans. Mrs M. Ramson, convenor of the Sewing Circle, has despatched the following goods: 24 pairs men's pyjamas; 1 bundle towels and face cloths; 10 bed jackets; 32 pillow cases. These were made by Mrs K. Stewart on behalf of the Women's Institute. A Junior Red Cross under Miss A. Clark has been formed at the local High School, and several parcels of excellent clothing has h?cn handed in. Two complete layettes were made. These garments -vere beautifully made and great -.edit is due to the girls and their .ewing mistress. These two sets were handed to the W.W.S.A-. for Emergency Stations. Two complete sets were also sent to the Whakatane Hospital for the Emergency Scheme. Home Nursing , Classes Mrs F. Prideaux has conducted the second year of Home; Nursing classes. Eleven first year pupils and eleven second year took the course. All the pupils passed the examination, two of the first year pupils gained 'Honours.' Fourteen of these V.A.D.'s have completed their 60 hours duty at the local hospital. Mrs Prideaux resumes her classes on Monday evening next. To her also is tendered a very sincere vote of thanks for her untiring work in this very important part of our organisation . Clothing for use in Emergency Acting on instructions from Headquarters, Ave have started Sewing Groups to provide sets of clothing to lit all ages, both sexes. It 4s the intention- to store the clothing in different depots in the toAvn. Many parcels of useful clothing have beer sent in and dealt with by the groups, To all donors of clothing Ave als: tender our thanks. We would be pleased to receiA'c further donations of clean discarded clothing, for remaking and renovations. Visit of Chief Commandment We have recently had a visit from Miss Tennant Avho holds: this responsible position. She urged us tc train many more V.A.D.'s, also tc get the older women to take the Hospital and Laundry Course. The V.A.D.'s must be formed into a detachment, and put into uniform, and a suitable building, properly equipped be procured fox training. He , , message Avas one of urgency for the Red Cross must be prepared to supply trained personnel for any emergency. I must ask this: meeting today to come to a decislion on the tAvo main suggestions made by Miss Tennant: the drive for V.A.D.'s and the provision of a suitable room properly equipped for training. Collection boxes have been placed as folloAVs: Whakatane Hotel; Commercial Hotel; Whakatane Paper Mills; Mr A. G. Allan, jeweller; M< S. Armstrong; Rrd Cross shop jn Strand.

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